Depok, May 6, 2026 — The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), received a delegation from to discuss strengthening academic and research collaboration.
The meeting, held at the Dean’s Meeting Room of FMIPA UI, marked an initial step in exploring various strategic collaboration opportunities between the two institutions. The activity took place on Friday (April 24, 2026) at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Administration Center, Universitas Indonesia Campus.
The delegation from the University of Edinburgh who attended the meeting were Rona Lindsay and Audrey Kon. Meanwhile, from FMIPA UI, those present included the Dean of FMIPA UI Prof. Dr. Tito Latif Indra, the Vice Dean for Education, Research, and Student Affairs Prof. Anom Bowolaksono, Zico Alaia Akbar Junior, Ph.D., and Dwi Nurcahyadi, S.Si. Also present were the Head of the Biology Department, the Head of the Undergraduate Biology Study Program, and the Head of the Chemistry Department.
In his remarks, Prof. Anom Bowolaksono opened the discussion by presenting the development of the International Special Class (KKI) program at FMIPA UI. He highlighted FMIPA’s experience in implementing joint degree programs, both at the undergraduate level in collaboration with the University of Queensland and at the master’s level with City University of Hong Kong.
“Strong international collaboration must be able to provide real benefits, both in terms of academics and research development,” said Prof. Anom.
The discussion then continued to the aspect of undergraduate student research funding. Zico Alaia Akbar Junior, as the Manager of the Research Ecosystem and Downstreaming of Impactful Science, explained that Universitas Indonesia provides an internal grant scheme to support undergraduate students’ research activities.
In response, the University of Edinburgh stated that although there are no specific grants for undergraduate students, students can still be involved in research through final-year or thesis projects.
“At the University of Edinburgh, undergraduate students still have the opportunity to conduct research through final-year projects, even though there are no specific research grants for them,” explained Rona Lindsay.
In addition, the discussion also covered the continuation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Universitas Indonesia and the University of Edinburgh, which currently only requires an extension process. This serves as an important foundation to encourage more concrete implementation of future collaboration.
From the program development perspective, the Head of the Chemistry Department at FMIPA UI expressed interest in establishing a joint graduate program at the master’s and doctoral levels with support from LPDP funding. This program is considered more flexible to develop because it is research-focused.
“Collaboration at the postgraduate level opens up broader opportunities for impactful joint research,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Undergraduate Biology Study Program at FMIPA UI presented the curriculum structure designed to prepare students before continuing their studies abroad, including to the University of Edinburgh. The curriculum includes strengthening fundamental concepts as well as laboratory practical work.
To conclude the meeting, the University of Edinburgh presented 12 Honours programs that have the potential to be developed into joint undergraduate programs with FMIPA UI. These programs are considered to be well aligned with existing fields of study, thereby opening opportunities for broader and more sustainable collaboration.
In addition to the discussion agenda, the University of Edinburgh delegation also visited the biological specimen collection room at the Biology Department of FMIPA UI. The visit was accompanied by Niarsi Merry Hemelda, M.Si., Ph.D., Head of the Undergraduate Biology Study Program, and Alexander Tianara, M.Sc., a laboratory staff member of the Biology Department. During the visit, the delegation was introduced to various biological collections used as learning and research resources for students.
Through this meeting, FMIPA UI and the University of Edinburgh demonstrated their shared commitment to building international collaboration focused on strengthening education, research, and the development of student capacity at the global level.
